Law Summary
Mandatory Tree Planting Requirement
- All Filipino citizens aged 10 years and above, residing in the Philippines, must plant one tree every month for five consecutive years.
- Exemptions apply only to those physically unable to plant trees.
Authorized Planting Locations
- Trees may be planted in the following areas:
- Family-owned lands or lots.
- Lands leased by the family with owner's consent.
- Public grounds including plazas, schools, markets, roadsides, and parks.
- Public domain lands designated by the Presidential Council for Forest Ecosystem Management (the Council), such as forest lands, grazing lands, mineral lands, resettlement areas, and military reservations.
Types of Trees and Maintenance Obligations
- Permissible trees include fruit-bearing, shade, ornamental, or forest trees.
- Trees must be cared for a minimum of two years post-planting.
- If trees die, become diseased, or defective, they are to be replaced by the planter.
Rulemaking Authority
- The Presidential Council for Forest Ecosystem Management, consulting relevant government agencies, shall promulgate rules and regulations to enforce the Decree and related instructions.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Violators face a fine up to one thousand pesos.
- Additional penalties can include disqualification from privileges exclusive to Filipino citizens such as:
- Acquisition or enjoyment of public lands by sale, patent, homestead, or lease.
- Ownership or operation of public utilities through franchises.
- Grant, lease, license, or privilege involving natural resources.
- For five years, violators may also be barred from:
- Holding public office.
- Graduating from any level in educational institutions.
- Taking bar, board, or civil service examinations.
- Practicing any profession licensed and regulated by the Supreme Court or the Professional Regulation Commission.
Effectivity
- The Decree took effect immediately upon its promulgation on June 6, 1977.